Free program for discarding old boating equipment available Friday-Sunday

Boaters looking to discard unwanted equipment in a responsible way can visit Oyster Factory Park between Friday and Sunday.

Free disposal in the first ever Clean Marine Event comes through a partnership between state and local coastal resource organizations, the marine industry and municipalities across Beaufort County, with the help of volunteers from the University of South Carolina-Beaufort’s student Environmental Organization.

The Clean Marine Event is intended to help prevent boating and fishing equipment from becoming derelict or discarded into coastal waterways and marshes. Each year, abandoned boats, old fishing gear, discarded equipment and building materials become marine debris that threatens the health and safety of the coastal environment.

Collection times are:

--Friday, November 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. --Saturday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. --Sunday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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